HOW TO RECOGNIZE, IDENTIFY, & TREAT EATING DISORDERS
	
Eating disorders have become an extremely prevalent problem with approximately 8 million Americans suffering from some sort of eating problem.  Young women and teens are the most likely to develop eating disorders but young men are certainly also at risk.  The three predominant types of eating difficulties are anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder.  In order to identify these issues in yourself, in a friend, or in a family member, look for the telltale signs of the ailment.  

Anorexia nervosa refers to the malady associated with a person who simply eats too little in an effort to lose weight or maintain a certain physical standard. Anorexia can be identified by the physical indicators such as osteoporosis and the ceasing of menstrual periods in women.  An anorexic person will often suffer from various side effects of malnutrition, visible in unhealthy hair, dry skin, and brittle nails.  Common to most people suffering from an eating illness, an anorexic individual may become obsessed weight loss, may perpetually perceive him or herself as overweight, may exhibit strange eating habits.

	Bulimia nervosa refers to the ailment associated with the rejection of food before the body can process it in full.  A bulimic person may choose to purge him or herself after eating or to pass substances through the body unnaturally with the aid of medication.  A person suffering from this disorder will often experience abnormal dehydration, digestive problems, and an irregular heartbeat.  The stomach acid regurgitated during vomiting may cause tooth decay.  A bulimic person may frequent trips to the bathroom, particularly after eating, and quite often may eat alone or in secret.

	Binge eating disorder simply involves a person eating a great amount of food in a short time without the purging associated with bulimia.  This person will continue to eat even when he or she is full and as a result will become disgusted with him or herself after binging. 

	So what is it about a person that might cause him or her to develop an eating disorder?  Particularly among teenagers, a poor self-image, often as a result of societal standards, can lead to the development of eating problems.  A stressful personal life or difficulty in dealing with emotions may also contribute to the onset of an eating disorder.  Some people simply strive for perfection, feeling the need to overachieve in every aspect of their existence, including their body.  This need for control may lead to an obsession with food, which in turn causes the ailment.

	The good news is, that although eating disorders are prevalent, that help is abundant for those who seek it.  Cognitive behavioral therapy is available for those people who need to reprogram their thinking about how to behave with food.  Designed to formulate a plan for proper nutrition and restoring normal body weight, nutritional counseling can also be sought through oneˇ¦s health care provider but it is important to consult a physician before beginning any such program.

	The ability to recognize the symptoms and signs of an eating disorder is essential in beginning the path to recovery.  Whether the problem exists in you, in a friend, or in a family member, there are many ways that you can help or be helped.  First and foremost, educate yourself about these illnesses and be honest with the person who you are trying to help or with those who wish to help you.  It is absolutely essential to remain patient concerning recovery.  Relapses happen quite often and it is important to be supportive or obtain support to stay on track.  Remember never to attempt to control another person by forcing them to change their eating or exercise habits.

Larry Deutsch is the Community Education Director for Youth In Need, a non-profit organization serving the youth and families of Eastern Missouri.  Youth In Need has taken a ˇ§strength-basedˇ¨ approach toward helping teens, a method which stresses the empowerment of youngsters to solve their own problems.  Youth In Need counselors avoid preaching or belittling clients and work to improve situations rather than searching for blame in them.  The program offers personalized in-home visits, information and assistance on life needs, and opportunities to share experiences with peers.  For more information please contact Youth In Need at (636) 946-0101.